How to Halloween!
At this time of year there is excitement, anticipation and growing expectation! As Halloween approaches and the shops are full of costumes and sweets, many children and young people are making plans for fright night.
For children and young people with sensory processing challenges, this can be an unsettling time. They may have concerns about the demands Halloween might make on them and may not be relishing the thought of the uncertainties of the evening itself. They may experience a feeling of conflict about their own participation: maybe wanting to join in with friends with trick or treating, which may also feel daunting for a number of reasons.
As with many scenarios, solid preparation can reduce these concerns and enable participation. Have a conversation to talk through specific concerns early so that these can be addressed, supported and planned for.
These might include the following:
What to wear? The texture of the chosen outfit is key: if this feels itchy or uncomfortable due to tactile sensitivities, it will be challenging to tolerate. Consider adding base layers to reduce this and have your child practise wearing their outfit before the big night to check comfort and to tweak as needed.
Ear defenders too? To help navigate anticipation and heightened emotion (which makes sensory needs more tricky), perhaps your child’s ear defenders or Loops could form part of their outfit.
What will happen on the night itself? Make a plan of your route for your trick or treating. This can then be shown to your child and you can use google maps to track your route on the night itself. You may decide to have a practice walk of your route before Halloween with your child so that they know what to expect.
Has your child got a trick they can do? Encourage your child to practise a trick or two!
Are there any variables? Go through all the variables with your child including who you will be with and timings. Also, talk through how trick or treating works. This can be practised at home with your child so that they know what to say. A visual checklist might be helpful as a point of reference.
If you decide not to go out yourselves, it will be important to talk through what might happen at home on 31st October. The doorbell might be ringing and if so, children will be dressed up outside asking for treats! Your child may want to be handing out the sweets and this can start with a shopping trip to choose these.
Your child may not want to get involved at all this year, and that choice should also be honoured. For some children a few games at home might be a preferable way to mark the day and you can decide how to pitch these depending on your child’s particular sensitivities.
Whatever you decide for Halloween, don't forget to have fun!
Rachel White
Children’s Occupational Therapist